5. Functions of National Library

The functions of the National Library shall be —

to promote and encourage the use of library material and information therefrom by the establishment of lending and reference libraries and mobile library services;

to acquire library material generally, and, in particular, to acquire a comprehensive collection of library material, both current and retrospective, relating to Singapore;

to collect and receive all books required to be deposited in the National Library under the provisions of the Printers and Publishers Act [Cap. 246] and to preserve such books;

to make library material available for reference and for loan subject to proper safeguards against loss or damage;

to provide reference, bibliographic and interlibrary loan services to Government departments and to Parliament;

to advise on and co-ordinate the resources and services of Government department libraries and other libraries with those of the National Library;

to obtain and provide central information on the resources and services of libraries in Singapore;

to participate in national planning for all types of library service in Singapore, and to conduct research to determine library needs and possibilities;

to compile a current national bibliography and retrospective national bibliographies;

to compile and maintain a union catalogue of libraries of all kinds;

to act as the organising agency for the national and international lending of library material;

to act as the organising agency for the national and international exchange of library material; and

to initiate and promote co-operation between the National Library and other libraries in the discharge of the above functions.